Richmond, Virginia, has recently welcomed a groundbreaking establishment that merges the social allure of a sports bar with the interactive charm of a sports card shop. Named Parlay at Graybo’s, this innovative venue situated in the lively Scott’s Addition neighborhood has become the go-to spot for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Conceived by Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, Parlay at Graybo’s aims to provide a shared space where visitors can relish the excitement of unwrapping new card packs, take part in live card breaks, and catch sporting events on large screens, all while indulging in delicious food and drinks. The grand opening of the venue took place on May 18 with a thrilling event that included viewing the Preakness Stakes, accompanied by live music and special festivities.
Parlay at Graybo’s has found its home in the former location of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, with a clever connection between the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway featuring a mini putting green, adding to the interactive and immersive atmosphere of the venue.
The masterminds behind Parlay at Graybo’s bring a wealth of experience and a deep love for the sports card industry to the table:
– Duke Dodson, who reignited his card collecting passion in 2021, boasts a strong business and finance background and has been a prominent figure in the Richmond real estate scene.
– Gray Burnette, a history buff and former educator, made his foray into this venture post his teaching career, inspired by his love for collectibles.
– Ryan Fitz, with a background in property management and technology, focuses on enhancing customer engagement, infusing a modern touch into the business operations.
Motivated by their nostalgic memories of collecting cards as children and a vision to create a space that caters to both kids and adults, the trio transformed a humble sports card shop into a larger, more versatile destination.
The new location features significant expansions with the sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and the card shop growing to 2,200 square feet. This expansion is expected to drive foot traffic, leveraging its strategic position in an area rich in entertainment options.
One of the standout features of Parlay at Graybo’s is the opportunity for patrons to engage in or spectate live card breaks from the bar, injecting an element of thrill akin to game days. The founders also nurture a collector community through their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering engagement with collectors locally and beyond.
Ryan Fitz emphasized that the Richmond area boasts a vibrant and expanding base of collectors, from amateurs to seasoned investors, making Parlay at Graybo’s a welcoming hub for all. The closure of the previous venue, Circuit, opened the door for this new venture, which Dodson seized by acquiring the property shortly before its shutdown.
This innovative blend of a sports bar and card shop sets Parlay at Graybo’s apart, offering a dynamic and exhilarating ambiance that appeals to sports fans and card collectors alike, promising a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience.
